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Makeup Artists' Top Beauty Tips for Older Women​

Trish McEvoy, Pat McGrath, Kate Lee and other beauty pros share their secrets for making mature skin look timelessly gorgeous.

By Lindsay Silberman and
top beauty tips for older women​pinterest

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Not to be the bearer of bad news, but the makeup you wore on repeat in your 20s and 30s is probably not going to cut it anymore once you've reached a certain age. As we get older, our face begins to subtly change over time. Fine lines and wrinkles are more prominent, skin craves more hydration, and elastin and collagen begin to decline. While the thought of having to start fresh again may sound daunting—and maybe even frustrating—finding the best products for your changing skin texture is easier than you think.

According to Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee, there are few key tips one can follow to streamline their new and improved routine, beginning with looking for products specifically formulated with anti-aging ingredients.

"A mistake maturing women make when applying their makeup that I see a lot is that they have been using the same product for 10 years or more," says the pro, noting that buying a new foundation is a great place to start. "Foundations are incredible these days—they change constantly and if you stick with one product for many years, you may miss the magic. I encourage people to try new products and techniques—that in itself is an act of youthfulness!"

Ahead, Lee, along with more beauty industry legends, share their insider secrets—and preferred products—for youthful-looking skin, regardless of age.

Go easy with the foundation.

young woman applying foundation
Fabrice LEROUGE//Getty Images

"I believe using less makeup is best on mature skin, so I recommend focusing on the areas where you truly need the coverage and avoiding expression lines. Try using a lighter formula foundation and then building coverage where needed, or try using a concealer rather than 'blanketing' the skin and creating a blank canvas. Lean into smarter formulations and use less." — Kate Lee

Chanel VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Chanel VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

$55 at Chanel

The fluid texture of this foundation goes on feather light and amps up skin's hydration with hyaluronic acid for natural wrinkle-softening dewiness.

Key Ingredients: "High Definition Light" pigments, hyaluronic acid

Coverage: Light to medium

Shades: 17

Future Skin Gel Foundation

Future Skin Gel Foundation

Future Skin Gel Foundation

This oil-free gel formula sinks seamlessly into skin for a "your complexion but better" look. For spots that needs some extra love, the coverage is buildable as well.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, Chamomile, Arnica

Coverage: Medium to full

Shades: 15

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Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation

Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation

Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation

For those who prefer a more matte finish, this foundation wears sheer, but won't leave skin looking shiny.

Key Ingredients: SPF & Antioxidants with Vitamin E

Coverage: Sheer, matte

Shades: 15+

Define the lash line.

Brown, Eye, Skin, Eyelash, Forehead, Eyebrow, Iris, Amber, Beauty, Eye shadow,
Getty Images

"I recommend using my 'invisible lining' technique. Pressing the liner in between each lash along the lash line adds definition, bringing the look of lush and full lashes even before mascara." Trish McEvoy, makeup artist

1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

A super-thin tip and smooth gel formula make this mechanical liner easy to use for subtle touches.

Formula: Gel

Shades: 5

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Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil

Bold color payoff and a long-wearing formula make this a great choice for all day wear.

Formula: Pencil

Shades: 7

Take time to prime.

the skin cancer foundation's annual skin sense award gala nyc
Brian ZAK//Getty Images

"Adding moisture to the complexion and taking time to prep is important. Products that prime the skin should be a light, easily-absorbed and hydrating. Moisturizer or serum work well, avoid using a product with too much emollience as it can cause the make up to move around. Always wait a few minutes for the product to settle before moving on with makeup."— Kate Lee

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Original

Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Original

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Original

Prevent creasing that can highlight fine lines with this eyeshadow primer that holds your favorite shade in place for hours on end.

Key Ingredients: Deep-Sea Extract, antioxidant rice extract

Compatible With: Cream, powder

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Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas

The Liquid Silk Canvas

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas

This silky liquid primer not only creates a smooth base for your other makeup, it also helps it hold on without creasing or smudges.

Key Ingredients: Fibroin, sericin, and silk powder

Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily

Brighten and even out the complexion.

Lip, Cheek, Brown, Skin, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Eye shadow, Jaw,
Getty Images

"Apply a BB cream. If you don't have the time to totally prep your skin, BB is an all-in-one skin perfecter. Not only does it prime, brighten, and even out the skin, it protects from daily UV exposure. An even skin tone projects a more youthful look." —Trish McEvoy

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The lightest hint of color gently evens out skin tone—the built in SPF 30 and antioxidants ward off UV rays and free radicals that can induce signs of aging.

Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily

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bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

With nearly two dozen shades, this hydrating balm offers a wide array of options for every skin tone.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive-derived squalane, mineral-based sunscreen

Coverage: Light

Shades: 20

Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm Instant Solutions BB Cream SPF 35

Beauty Balm Instant Solutions BB Cream SPF 35

Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm Instant Solutions BB Cream SPF 35

This semi-sheer formula—available in four shades—leaves a velvety finish on your complexion, while peptides give skin a boost.

Coverage: Medium to full

Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily

Shades: 4

Exfoliating is the key to smooth application.

young woman with salt peeling mask
Brigitte Sporrer//Getty Images

"Many women avoid exfoliating and end up looking like they’re wearing heavy makeup, because even the lightest application grabs onto dry patches (aka dead skin). " —Jenny Smith, makeup artist

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Resurfacing Mask

Resurfacing Mask

Resurfacing Mask

Formulated with beta-hydroxy acid and pomegranate enzymes, this mask melts away dead skin cells to leave your skin looking smoother and brighter.

Key Ingredients: Pink clay, pomegranate enzymes, white willow bark

Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination, oily

Recommended Usage: 3x a week

More: The Best At-Home Chemical Peels

ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Now 15% Off

A mix of chemical and physical exfoliants, this treatment tackles signs of dryness and dullness in two minute flat.

Key Ingredients: Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, lactic acid, aloe

Skin Type: All

Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week

The Method: Polish Exfoliator

The Method: Polish Exfoliator

The Method: Polish Exfoliator

Get a dose of microdermabrasion at home with this fine-grit scrub that really sweeps away flakiness.

Key Ingredients: Pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes, magnesium crystals

Skin Type: Normal to combination

Recommended Usage: Once daily

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Prep lips before lipstick.

pat mcgrath mattetrance
Courtesy of Pat McGrath Labs

"Scrub the lips, then apply concealer that’s the same color as your skin all over the lip with a foundation brush. Add a balm on top to set, which provides extra hydration. Outline with a liner, fill them in, and use a lip brush or your finger to apply the color." —Pat McGrath, makeup artist

Guerlain Liplift Lip Primer

Liplift Lip Primer

Guerlain Liplift Lip Primer

No more lipstick bleeding into the lines around your mouth, courtesy of this balmy primer that keeps lipstick right where you want it.

Finish: Shimmer

Headshot of April Long
April Long
Beauty Director

April Long writes about beauty, wellness, and luxury skincare for Town & Country

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